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Meet the Woman Behind Scandal's Amazing Soundtrack

These days there are women behind everything in Hollywood, and we’re starting a monthly column to celebrate them—and learn their secrets. Say hello to Alex Patsavas, 45, the megawatt music supervisor who’s tricked-out the soundtracks to your favorite shows over the years, from The O.C. to Grey’s Anatomy to Gossip Girl (and, yes, she still buys CDs). Tune in.

The soundtrack that made a difference in my life: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Who doesn’t remember Yello’s ‘Oh Yeah’ with Cameron’s dad’s Ferrari?”

The story I couldn’t wait to tell my friends about: “Clearing the rights to a Radiohead song for my first show, Roswell. It took weeks and a lot of convincing of the band, but it changed my attitude about what was possible. I learned that I should always try, no matter what.”

I’m never without my: “Phone, over-the-ear Beats headphones, laptop, scripts, and a satchel full of CDs. Even in this digital age, I still collect CDs. I like to look at the artwork and liner notes.”

My favorite musical moment on Scandal was: “When we used the Album Leaf’s ‘The Light’ for the first romantic scene between Fitz and Olivia; now it’s their theme song. We’ve used it every season.”

What I do before I go to work: “I do yoga every morning. It’s the only silent time during my day. But before yoga, there’s always coffee, of course.”

The life advice I’d give myself at 25: “Enjoy yourself. There’s a lot of pressure to be in a big hurry, but the good stuff always comes from the accidents along the way.”

For more, pick up the March issue of Glamour on newsstands, or download the digital issue now at glamour.com/app to get an exclusive playlist from Alex, created just for you!